GBI Arrests Former Banks County Sheriff’s Office Detention Officer for Violation of Oath by Public Officer

PRESS RELEASE – The GBI has arrested and charged Sammy Reece, age 67, a former Detention Officer with the Banks County Sheriff’s Office, with three felony counts of Items prohibited for possession by inmates; Warden’s Authorization and one felony count of Violation of Oath by Public Officer.

On September 27, 2023, the Banks County Sheriff’s Office asked the GBI to investigate the allegations that Reece was providing contraband to the work release inmates that he oversaw.

The investigation indicates that Reece had provided prescription medication, alcohol, and unauthorized use of a cell phone to the inmates on his work crew.

Reece was booked into the Banks County Jail and provided a bond.

This investigation is active and ongoing.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Banks County Sheriff’s Office at 706-677-2248 or the Regional Investigative Office in Athens at 706-552-2309.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Banks County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.